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Purpose
The PSS Officer supports community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. The position facilitates a range of non-clinical psychosocial interventions, including awareness-raising sessions, group sessions, peer support groups, structured psychosocial activities, Psychological First Aid (PFA), recreational and social activities, and community engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening coping mechanisms, resilience, social connectedness, and community support systems.
The PSS Officer contributes to the identification of individuals requiring additional mental health or protection support and facilitates appropriate referrals and linkages with specialized services. The position promotes positive help-seeking behaviours, reduces stigma related to mental health, and strengthens community-based MHPSS support networks.
The PSS Officer works closely with Mental Health Officers, community-based protection teams, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective integration of MHPSS services within protection and community-based programming, while maintaining alignment with organisational standards, humanitarian principles, safeguarding requirements, and donor expectations.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Psychosocial Support Services
- Provide community-based, non-clinical psychosocial support to individuals, families, and communities experiencing psychosocial distress.
- Facilitate structured psychosocial support sessions, including group sessions, peer support groups, recreational activities, and other community-based interventions.
- Provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic emotional support to individuals when required, within the scope of the PSS Officer's role.
- Facilitate safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces that promote psychosocial well-being, social connectedness, and resilience.
- Conduct structured activities that strengthen positive coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, social support networks, and community resilience.
- Promote positive help-seeking behaviours and contribute to reducing stigma related to mental health and psychosocial support.
- Conduct community outreach and engagement activities to promote awareness of MHPSS services and available support mechanisms.
- Organise and facilitate awareness-raising sessions on mental health, stress management, emotional well-being, coping strategies, and available services.
- Mobilise and encourage community members to participate in MHPSS activities, with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved groups.
- Support community-based initiatives that strengthen peer support, social connectedness, and existing community support systems.
- Promote culturally appropriate and inclusive approaches to MHPSS service delivery.
- Facilitate regular group sessions and peer support groups based on identified community needs.
- Support structured psychosocial interventions and group-based activities aimed at strengthening coping skills, resilience, and social support.
- Encourage safe and respectful participation within groups and maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
- Identify emerging psychosocial concerns within groups and communities and communicate them to the Mental Health Officer or relevant supervisor.
- Identify individuals who may require additional psychosocial, mental health, protection, or other specialised support.
- Recognise signs of significant distress, protection concerns, or other vulnerabilities within the scope of the role.
- Facilitate timely referrals to Mental Health Officers, specialised mental health services, protection services, health facilities, or other relevant service providers.
- Follow established referral pathways and ensure appropriate follow-up in coordination with relevant team members.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure that referrals are conducted in accordance with organisational procedures and safeguarding principles.
- Work closely with Mental Health Officers and other MHPSS team members to ensure coordinated and complementary service delivery.
- Support the integration of MHPSS activities within protection and community-based programming.
- Coordinate with community representatives, service providers, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen community-based MHPSS support and referral networks.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, case discussions, and capacity-building activities as required.
- Maintain accurate records of PSS activities, group sessions, awareness sessions, referrals, and community outreach in accordance with organisational procedures.
- Ensure timely submission of activity data, attendance records, referral information, and other required documentation.
- Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of all participant and beneficiary information.
- Contribute to periodic MHPSS activity reports and provide relevant information to the supervisor as required.
- Adhere to organisational policies, humanitarian principles, safeguarding standards, confidentiality requirements, and MHPSS ethical guidelines.
- Ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe, respectful, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate manner.
- Apply the principles of Do No Harm, confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination, participation, and respect for dignity in all interactions with beneficiaries and communities.
2. Community Engagement & Awareness
3. Group & Peer Support Interventions
4. Vulnerability Identification & Referrals
5. Coordination & Integration
6. Documentation & Reporting
7. Safeguarding & Professional Standards
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- Refer cases to appropriate services such as Case Management, MH Officer (clinical services), GBV, or health services.
- Follow up on referred cases in coordination with relevant teams to ensure access to services.
Coordination with Protection Teams
- Work closely with Case Management, CBP, GBV, and MHPSS teams to ensure integrated service delivery.
- Participate in internal coordination meetings and contribute to joint planning.
- Seek technical guidance from MHPSS Coordinator or MH staff where required.
Activity Planning & Implementation
- Develop and implement activity plans for PSS sessions in line with programme objectives.
- Ensure activities are culturally appropriate, gender-sensitive, and inclusive.
- Adapt activities based on community needs and feedback.
Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of sessions conducted, attendance, and activities.
- Track referrals and follow-up actions.
- Observe and document changes in well-being and participation of beneficiaries.
- Prepare regular activity reports and updates in line with programme requirements.
Safeguarding & Ethical Practice
- Ensure all PSS activities are conducted in line with safeguarding, confidentiality, and Do No Harm principles.
- Maintain confidentiality of beneficiary information at all times.
- Identify and report protection concerns through established reporting mechanisms.
Target Groups & Inclusion
- Ensure services are accessible to vulnerable groups including women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and other persons with specific needs.
- Promote inclusion and non-discrimination in all activities.
Other Duties
- Perform any other duties related to the position, as reasonably assigned by the Supervisor or relevant Head Office units, in line with organisational policies and operational requirements.
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